Karonga farmers challenged on crop diversification

Communities in Karonga District have been urged to embrace crop diversification as one way of countering against effects of climate change that are being experienced in the district.

The call follows the Department for Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) dissemination of the downscale seasonal rainfall focus for Karonga predicted that parts of the district will experience dry spells in January and February as well as heavy rains in the month of March/April.

In an Interview following the dissemination of the downscale seasonal rainfall focus for Karonga for 2022/2023 Kenedy Longwe an Agriculture Extension Development Officer for Nyungwe, said crop diversification improves resilience of farming systems to adjust climatic conditions like dry spells hence urged farmers to adopt diversification.

Saying when crop diversification is fully utilized it can contribute significantly to household food security and climate resilience among others in communities.

“Rainfall is becoming more erratic especially during the onset of the rain season due to climate change and crop diversification can help to mitigate some of the challenge of inadequate food that sometime communities face in the district,” he said.

Longwe has therefore advised farmers to plant drought tolerant crops like sweet potatoes and cassava and as well as embracing practising soil and water conservation.

In a separate interview Paolos Mughogho senior meteorologist at DCCMS, said the seasonal rain focus dissemination is significant as it accords farmers time to plan and make decision ahead of the planting season.

“Karonga is prone to disasters and flooding hence this dissemination is significant for the district as plans can be put in place at the council level and as well as sensitizing the communities on what is to come to prepare them,” he explained.

Meanwhile Relief and Rehabilitation Officer for Karonga District Council Shepard Jeri, disclosed that the council is in the process of identifying a warehouse that will house relief items in readiness of the onset of the rainy season saying plans have reached advanced stage which are waiting the approval of the Department of Disaster Management Affairs.